7 Important Life Lessons We Learned From Dwight Schrute Of ‘The Office’

Today we wanted to look back and honor one of the most unique characters in the history of everything ever: The Office’s one and only, Dwight K. Schrute.

Magically imagined and written by Greg Daniels, Ricky Gervais, and Stephen Merchant, and brilliantly portrayed by Rainn Wilson, the character of Dwight evolved from annoying co-worker we loved to hate to less annoying and more endearing co-worker, manager, father, building owner and sci-fi enthusiasts we all grew fond of so very much.

Former Assistant to the Regional Manager of Dunder Mifflin paved his way to our hearts through his over-the-top idiosyncratic behavior, amazing willpower, unlikely friendships with his coworkers, weird yet true love for a certain accountant, and ultimately through his concealed yet genuinely good nature.

During the 9-season run of perhaps the funniest sitcom to ever hit small screens, Dwight constantly danced on the thin line that separates a villain from a hero and vice versa, and during his amazing journey to the top, he inadvertently provided us with some unique yet rather useful life lessons that can help us become better people.

1. Use Every Opportunity Life Throws At You

Whether it’s that promotion you always wanted or absorbing your twin brother as a fetus, always make sure you take advantage of any opportunity where you can gain something.

Quote: “When my mother was pregnant with me, they did an ultrasound and found she was having twins. When they did another ultrasound a few weeks later, they discovered that I had adsorbed the other fetus. Do I regret this? No, I believe his tissue has made me stronger. I now have the strength of a grown man and a little baby.”

2. Don’t Be An Idiot

This one is as simple as they come. Whenever you have an opportunity to not be an idiot, don’t be one.

Quote: “Before I do anything I ask myself “Would an idiot do that?” And if the answer is yes, I do not do that thing.”

3. Always Be The Lion

Life is a wild jungle. If you can, always be the lion.

Quote: “In the wild, there is no healthcare. Healthcare is ‘Oh, I broke my leg!’ A lion comes and eats you, you’re dead. Well, I’m not dead, I’m the lion, you’re dead!”

4. The Tip About Tips

Never give credit to people just because you’re expected to, but make sure you give it those who truly deserve it.

Quote: “Why tip someone for a job I’m capable of doing myself? I can deliver food. I can drive a taxi. I can, and do, cut my own hair. I did, however, tip my urologist because I am unable to pulverize my own kidney stones.”

5. Don’t Waste Food

Photo credit: NBC Universal Television Distribution

Wasting food is a huge no-no.

Quote: “The goose was already dead, and we Schrutes use every part of the goose. The meat has a delicious smoky rich flavor. Plus, you can use the molten goose grease and save it in the refrigerator, thus saving you a trip to the store for a can of expensive goose grease.”

6. Keep Your Friends Close

Always protect your friends and your loved ones.

Quote: “People say, oh it’s dangerous to keep weapons in the home, or the workplace. Well I say, it’s better to be hurt by someone you know, accidentally, than by a stranger, on purpose.”

7. Don’t Believe Everything You Hear On TV

Television is fun and sometimes even edifying, but don’t believe ALL the things you here through this magic box.

Quote: “Did you know that the human thumb is formed by 15 interchangeable joints? Wrong. Don’t believe everything the people on television tell you.”

BONUS LESON: Never Give Up On Your Dreams

All true Office fans know that Dwight managed to become the manager of the Dunder Mifflin paper company branch. It took 9 seasons but he did it! Never give up on your aspirations, no matter how stupid or trivial they may seem to other people.